Andrea AbbondanzaMoroccan cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, spices, and unique desserts. From sweet pastries to sticky honey cakes, Morocco has a wide variety of desserts that satisfy any craving!
From the traditional Baklava to Basboussa, Moroccan desserts have distinct flavors popular among locals and tourists. So, what are the most famous Moroccan desserts that everyone must try at least once? Read on to find out more!
7 Best Moroccan Desserts You Need To Try
What are the most famous Moroccan desserts to try? Check out our picks below!
Baklava
Baklava is a traditional Moroccan dessert consisting of layers of thin, flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and held together with a honey or syrup-based glaze. It is often stuffed with almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and sometimes dates, creating a delicious flavor.
Maamoul
Maamoul is a traditional Moroccan dessert made from semolina and butter filled with date paste, walnuts, and pistachios. It is usually served with tea or coffee as an after-dinner treat. The dough for Maamoul is lightly sweetened and often flavored with orange blossom water or rosewater.
Almond Crescent Cookies
Almond crescent cookies are made with ground almonds and honey. These light and flavorful cookies have a slightly crunchy texture and subtle sweetness. They are often served on special occasions or as a treat for guests.
Sfenj
Sfenj is a traditional Moroccan dessert made of deep-fried dough. It is served with honey or sugar syrup, giving it its sweet and crunchy texture. It is often called “Moroccan donuts,” although they are much lighter than American donuts.
Sellou
Sellou, or Sfouf or Zmita, is a nutty, sweet Moroccan treat made with ground-fried almonds, toasted unhulled sesame seeds, and oven-browned flour. Flavored with cinnamon and anise and often sweetened with honey or powdered sugar, this sweet dish can be presented as a powdery cone, molded mound, or bite-sized balls or squares.
Ghoriba
Sweet and delicate, Ghoriba is a traditional Middle Eastern cookie with various textures — from chewy to shortbread-like and crumbly. Consist of the perfect mix of flour, sugar, butter, and almonds; these treats are usually shaped into balls or disks.
Basbousa
Basbousa is a sweet, syrupy traditional Moroccan dessert. The delicious cake is made with semolina and then soaked in syrup, making it a treat that’s both crumbly and sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Moroccan desserts typically served after a meal or as a stand-alone snack?
Moroccan desserts are typically served as a stand-alone snack. However, it is also common to find some of these desserts served after a meal as part of the traditional hospitality of Morocco.
Are there any unique ingredients commonly used in Moroccan desserts?
Some unique ingredients used in Moroccan desserts are argan oil, pistachios, orange flower water, honey, and saffron.
Are Moroccan desserts generally difficult to make?
Moroccan dessert recipes can be both easy and difficult to make. Popular Moroccan desserts such as Baklava are time-consuming and require precision to turn out correctly. On the other hand, simpler recipes like M’hencha skewers or Sesame-Pistachio Balls are relatively easy to make and require fewer ingredients.
Do Moroccan desserts vary by region, or are there national favorites?
Moroccan desserts vary by region, including sweet pastries like Maamouls, Ghriba, and Kaab el Ghazal. However, there are also a few national favorites loved by Moroccans across the country, including Baghrir, Sellou, and Msemen.
Conclusion
All in all, Morocco has a wide variety of desserts that are well-known around the world. From the sweet treats of Sellou to the famous dessert, Baklava, Moroccan dessert surely won’t disappoint.
You can eat these delicious desserts stand-alone or with the most popular Moroccan foods. So don’t miss out on this opportunity — let your palate explore Moroccos’ mouthwatering traditional sweets today!
